Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a fruity, slightly sweet vinegar, but what if you’re all out of ACV or want to try something different? Don’t worry, you can still make that salad dressing or barbecue chicken!
Here are the 10 best alternatives you can use:
- White wine vinegar
- White wine
- Red wine vinegar
- Rice wine vinegar
- Champagne vinegar
- Sherry vinegar
- Distilled white vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Malt vinegar
- Lemon juice
Each of these choices has a slightly different flavor profile, so keep reading to find out when it’s best to use each!
1. Best all-around: White wine vinegar
One of the best substitutes for apple cider vinegar is white wine vinegar. It has a relatively mild and subtle flavor compared to some other types of vinegar. White wine vinegar has a similar level of acidity to apple cider vinegar, making it an easy swap. And with fruity notes, it complements salad dressings, marinades, and other recipes. However, in my opinion, it’s slightly less sweet than apple cider vinegar. If you want, you could add a tiny bit more sweetener to your recipe.
2. Best for cooking: White wine
For something a bit lighter and less punchy, white wine itself is a great substitute! Did you know apple cider vinegar is a great substitute for white wine and vice versa? They both have a subtle sweetness and acidity that works well for cooking. Of course, if you’re making a salad dressing, white wine is not the best choice… but hey, to each their own!
3. Best for robust flavor: Red wine vinegar
Red wine vinegar has a bolder flavor profile than white wine vinegar. Its deep, robust and tangy taste pairs beautifully with red meat dishes, as well as hearty salads and sauces. Try it in your favorite vinaigrette, quick-pickling red onions, or use it to deglaze pans for sauces and gravies to add depth.
4. Best for sweetness: Rice wine vinegar
Rice wine vinegar is the most mild of the bunch, with a less sharp and more sweet taste. In my experience, it has just enough bite for cooked dishes, especially stir-fries and Asian dishes. The unseasoned variety is better, as seasoned rice wine vinegar is typically reserved for sushi rice and Asian salads.
5. Best for mild flavor: Champagne vinegar
Similar to rice wine vinegar, champagne vinegar is an extremely light, mild vinegar. It’s made from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, giving it a delicate, floral flavor. It’s milder compared to apple cider vinegar, so it’s great for light vinaigrettes, adding to hollandaise sauce, or even pickles!
6. Best for complexity: Sherry vinegar
Sherry vinegar has a different taste profile with a hint of nuttiness and a deeper, more complex flavor compared to the fruity and tart notes of apple cider vinegar, but hear me out… This might just be the ingredient your recipe is missing. It has a mild acidity, so it’s not overpowering, and just a tablespoon can completely transform your salad dressings, soups, tomato sauces, and more!
7. Best for sharpness and baking: Distilled white vinegar
White vinegar is best for adding sharpness and baking.While it lacks the fruity notes of apple cider vinegar, it works exceptionally well in recipes where the vinegar’s primary role is to provide acidity, like in baking, cleaning, or pickling. It’s sharp, clear, and colorless. Plus, white vinegar is definitely the most budget-friendly option!
8. Healthiest substitute: Balsamic vinegar
Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants, aids in digestion, and may help stabilize blood sugar levels, just like apple cider vinegar. However, it has a distinct sweet and tart flavor, so it’s best for recipes that benefit from a touch of sweetness. Try it in salad dressings, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or as a glaze for meats!
9. Best for condiments and sauces: Malt vinegar
Malt vinegar is made from malted barley and has a more pronounced, malty taste, while apple cider vinegar has a milder, fruity flavor. Malt vinegar is commonly used with fish and chips, but it can also work well for relishes, chutneys, and savory dishes that call for apple cider vinegar, such as dressings, brines, marinades, and sauces.
10. Best for fruity flavor: Lemon juice
For a citrusy twist, lemon juice is a fantastic alternative to apple cider vinegar. Its zesty flavor adds brightness to dishes, and the acidity can mimic the tang of apple cider vinegar perfectly. Use it sparingly in recipes like vinaigrettes, sauces, gummies, and even when making coleslaw.
Tip: If you have it, add a touch of apple juice with lemon juice for both that apple essence and acidity!
FAQs
Can you skip apple cider vinegar in a recipe?
You can skip it if you wish, but apple cider vinegar often contributes acidity and flavor, so omitting it may alter the final taste and texture of the dish. If possible, consider a suitable substitute like white vinegar or lemon juice if you need to omit apple cider vinegar.
Can I use regular vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, you can generally use regular white vinegar as a substitute for apple cider vinegar in many recipes, but be aware that the flavor may be different due to the distinct apple notes in apple cider vinegar. Adjust the quantity to taste, as white vinegar is more acidic.
What is the same as apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is similar to other types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar, in that they are all acidic liquids made through the fermentation of sugars, but apple cider vinegar specifically comes from fermented apple juice, giving it a distinct flavor profile compared to other vinegars.
Can you substitute apple cider vinegar in baking?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar or lemon juice in baking recipes at a 1:1 ratio. However, be aware that apple cider vinegar has a milder flavor, so it may add a slightly different taste to your baked goods.
